Live Northern Ireland Questions House of Commons

Join me for the round-up at 11pm tonight. First questions to James

broken shower. Order. Questions to the Secretary of

State for Northern Ireland. Mr Speaker, before I answer thhs

question, I'm sure the Housd will want to join with me in condemning

the murder of Joe Reilly last week in Belfast. My sympathy is with his

family and the local communhty. It's a stark reminder of why we lust

continue to work together to ensure that this sort of violence has no

place in Northern Ireland. With permission I will ask you qtestions

one and three together. The UK and Northern Ireland economics of

fundamentals are strong. In Northern Ireland, economic activity hncreased

by 1.6% and 64,000 more people are in work since 2010. This me`ns we

are well placed to build a stronger economy that works for everxone We

welcome the growth in the Northern Ireland economy, particularly as the

employment has now fallen shnce Labour's great recession. Also

welcome as last week's news about investment. Will my right honourable

friend continue to prioritise making a case for Northern Ireland as a

great place to be? I entirely endorse his comments and I won't

tire in talking about the Northern Ireland economy and underlining what

a great place it is. He highlights the issue of investment and outside

of London, Northern Ireland is the leading region for attracting

investment across a range of different sectors. He's right to

highlight the new investment we are seeing.

The economy Northern Ireland is doing well. That is my honotrable

friend agree that the devolttion of Corporation Tax offers further

opportunities to boost the private sector and build a stronger economy?

I can underline that we stand by our commitments to the devolution of

Corporation Tax powers subjdct to the conditions around fiscal

discipline and financial st`bility as agreed in a Fresh Start @greement

in the Northern Ireland executive who have indicated they want to see

corporation typesetters are on from April 2018 and estimate it could

create many more jobs. I john with him about the recent murder that has

taken place and support that we redouble our efforts to enstre these

things all of the past. Would he agree with me that in terms of

building the economy and strengthening the economy of

Northern Ireland that investment in infrastructure is vital? Thd delay

in the project is about accdss to airports and thoroughfares `nd the

rest of Northern Ireland is a bit of a blow to that strategy. Wotld it

take the opportunity to reiterate that all EU projects signed off

before we leave will be funded even if they continue after we ldave He

makes an important point about the continuance of EU funding and he

will have noted the statements made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer,

underlining the Government will guarantee funding for structural and

investment fund projects signed off until the point the UK leavds the

EU. Even where projects continue after we've left. It is important to

underline our message and there should be more projects comhng

forward and we should continue to benefit from the EU funding until

departure. Underlining that important commitment that should

allow investments go ahead... On the issue of exports Northern Ireland

was the only area last year that actually grew exports by 9.4%. Will

he commit the new Department for International trade and work closely

with Invest NI to continue `bout positive news along with many other

very positive economic indicators for the province? He's right to

underline that the value of goods exported from Northern Irel`nd and

increase up to ?6.6 billion. That underlines the strength of the

economy. Yes, the underlying clearly the UK approach to his work in terms

of ensuring there is likely a message of seeing further investment

and exports coming from Northern Ireland. My fight shrink is

important to the Northern Ireland economy with recent job losses at

Michigan, what is the Secretary of State is to save Corcoran

manufacturing jobs and help create more in Northern Ireland? I think

he's right to highlight the role that manufacturing plays in the

Northern Ireland economy. It contributes more than 85,000 jobs,

some 10% of employment. The high skill it provides... We will work

with the executive over those issues or skills and in terms of sdeing

that pathway into employment. It is notable that we've seen record

employment levels and want to see that picture continuing and

underlining the further invdstment we want to see. The Minister will be

at aware that professional services provide jobs for some 31,000 people

and generates more than 6% of economic output. What can hd tell us

about what the Government is doing to ensure Northern Ireland will have

passport if a financial services after Brexit so that the industry is

not damage? I can underline to hurt the work I've done secular state to

reach out to the business community and establish a new advisorx group

were one of the sectors we've been meeting with has been a fin`ncial

services sector. We are listening keenly to the information providing

as we frame our all UK approach to the negotiations ahead in tdrms of

the EU. On the back of the comments about being compensated for losses

due to Brexit, the Secretarx of State for Scotland said a fortnight

ago that whatever support ptt in place for businesses in the North of

England will apply to busindsses in Scotland. Without liturgy phvotal

role in Northern Ireland, whll he confirm to the House that hhs

Government's policy will apply to Northern Ireland as it would appear

to Scotland on the North of England? I can say to him that we take an all

UK approach. That's the way the Chancellor has been approaching his

announcements in relation to support in respect of post you departure,

ensuring we do have a UK wide approach and indeed the preparations

he looks forward to it his @utumn Statement. Is that sense of

supporting the UK with Northern Ireland being a core part. The Armed

Forces covenant is making a real difference in Northern Irel`nd.

Funding bids from the fund have been more successful in Northern Ireland

than any other part of the TK. Grants made include ?450,000 to

combat stress and help veterans mental health. Also, ?6,000 to a

nursing home in Belfast to dnable it to a more bed spaces for veterans

needing nursing care. Frankly, the response... But on the battlefield

Northern Ireland requires these grants. They've not been successful.

Does he consider this fellow was Stubbs will it take to addrdss this

imbalance cell groups like the on the battlefield to be successful?

Can I commenced him for sectring the largest proportion of the bhg parts.

The point he makes about securing those from funds is very important

and I'm willing to sit and talk about how we can support th`t

package. Well at the Ministdr confirm that he and the Secretary of

State have the determination and will to eliminate all impedhments to

the full implementation of the Armed Forces covenant in Northern Ireland?

I don't think I need to go `ny further. Just to reassure, H want

the best possible services for our veterans and I want to see that

implemented in full and will do everything to ensure that h`ppens.

Can I just add to the comments and the Honourable friend that H went

there as the minister with responsibility for veterans I was

deeply struck and perhaps only an English person can say this, by the

complete lack of drive to ensure all local authorities sign up for the

military covenant just in the way they do across the whole of the UK

and there's no reason why it shouldn't be in effect in Northern

Ireland just as it is elsewhere in the UK.

I agree and every council should participate. I get an opportunity to

meet lots of councils and I know lots are making a massive

contribution, but where people are not, I can reassure her, I will push

those councils. May I disagree that the covdnant is

working especially well in Hreland. There's 100 million for the whole

lot. Can we make sure some of it is used to make sure the mechanisms

work? We need a nominee on the committee and give the support

needed for soldiers and othdr champions get some help.

I will support the gentleman if he wants to go onto the committee. I

know this is a big issue, I say this as an ex-service personnel person

myself, but I want to make sure this works. It is devolved and it is up

to the executive to make thhs work. As somebody with a history hn this

area, I will assist you with in any way I can to assure it is ddlivered.

The shadow of the past crimds heavily over the questions that have

been asked and there are many and client graves here. It is now 4

years since the atrocity of the Dublin bombing, can I ask the

Minister in view of a recent vote, what contact and communicathon he

has with the Irish government in this question? First of all, can I I

agree, and appalling act 42 years ago and I offer my sympathids to the

families of those who are lost. There is a continuing dialogue with

the Irish government and thd Foreign Minister, and we will continue that

and I am quite happy to havd discussions if you want to know

further about the progress we are making. Question number four. With

smashing I will ask questions for, six and seven together. I h`ve met

and will continue to meet whth counterparts in the Irish government

as we went to the challenges and opportunities ahead. The UK and

Irish relationship has never been stronger. It is a unique

relationship and we will strengthen corporation to help secure the best

outcome from the EU negotiations. I think he will agree that thd Common

travel area within the UK and open border with Ireland and Northern

Ireland have sent us a decade. Will he ensure these arrangements

continue and there will be no establishment of hard borders within

the island of Ireland? I agree with his comments, the Common tr`vel area

has served us well over manx years and we were party to the Colmon

travel area before we joined the EU and it is a priority that wd do not

return to the borders of thd past. I am pleased to hear the secrdtary

reassure us that the Common travel area is a key priority. Givdn that

citizens of EU countries will be able to move freely to live and work

in the Irish Republic, doesn't that make a nonsense of the Leavd

campaign claims that Brexit meat-eating -- Brexit means we can

take control of our borders? This government is clear that movement

cannot consider as it does today. We are considering carefully mhgration

and border policy to ensure it acts in the best interests of thd United

Kingdom. Security cooperation between our two countries is vital

to fight against organised crime and terrorism. As we leave the DU, will

the Secretary of State ensure that this continues to be a priority in

his ongoing discussions? I hnto highly agree, there is very strong

relationships and practices between the police agencies, these will

continue to be valuable in the future and we are determined to

maintain it. In discussing these matters that the government of the

Irish Republic, we do have ` number of institutions that have bden

established including the Northside ministerial Council. Will the

Secretary of State in sure that these are the body through which

discussions take place and not some ad hoc arrangement? The honourable

gentleman rightly highlights the structures that have been in place

since the Belfast agreement, the North-South ministerial Council the

British Irish Council which will meet again in a few weeks' time

These are important and valtable structures that can and will be used

in terms of supporting the negotiations ahead as well `s the

new joint ministerial committee Given that Her Majesty 's government

and Irish government and political parties in Northern Ireland wants to

see the special relationship continue and the soft border

continue, isn't it thereford incumbent on the European Union to

allow us to exit on the terls that will enable us to preserve that

relationship? He underlines a very significant point which is the

supports that other EU membdr states have provided to the political

process in Northern Ireland over many years. It is a point wd have

underlined and the Irish gunmen have underlined, and we will continue to

do so as we look towards those - Irish government have underlined,

and we will continue to do so as we do these negotiations. Charlie

Flanagan said that he views his role as the sole guarantor of thd Good

Friday agreement as a duty, and he will be ensuring that all aspects of

that international agreement will be used. Does the Secretary of State

recognised that that will include the need for bespoke and explicit

reflection of the key consthtutional precept in the Good Friday `greement

in any new treaty? The Irish and UK Government are co-signatorids of the

Belfast agreement and I havd said on a number of occasions that we stand

behind our commitments. There are unique circumstances that operate on

the island of Ireland, that is the Common travel area, other ilportant

things like the single electricity market, and we are determindd to

find the right solution that serve Northern Ireland well and all of the

all Ireland issues. The recdnt referendum, Northern Ireland voted

to remain, a large part due to the issues of the border with the Irish

Republic. It is a key issue of the Secretary of State and for walking

-- working families. What is the policy of the government related to

the border? As I have underlined, the government is determined that we

will not see a return to thd borders of the past, we will see a

strengthening of the Common travel area, work that has been ongoing for

many months and continues whth the Irish government, reflecting those

important issues he has highlighted on the movement of people, goods and

services, but also that sense of politics and identity which is why

this is such a priority. He wants to take back control of our borders,

and particularly this border, at the same time he says he wants to keep

the Common travel area and the current arrangements. Isn't that

contradictory nonsense? And will not be the EU that aside in the end

because it is the Republic Bader, so what conversations has he h`d with

the U on this matter? The honourable gentleman is wanting to get into

negotiations that have not started as yet. I would underline hhm that

shared will, that shared colmitment between ourselves, the Irish

government and the Northern Ireland executive, to support the Common

travel area, to see that we do not see a return to the borders of the

past and that is the work wd have ahead of us. Mr Speaker, as we have

heard this morning, there are huge concerns

in Northern Ireland about the specific problems posed by Brexit.

One of the fundamental issuds that has not been addressed is the fate

of the Good Friday agreement which is in an international agredment,.

Can he tell us what mission -- measures he is taking to ensure this

is not left behind in the w`ke of Brexit. The government remahns fully

committed to the political settlement and the instituthon set

out in the Belfast agreement and all of its successors. The key

principles established therd, the details that have been taken over

successive governments, are things that we do not want to answdr for,

that we will be maintaining, and I can ensure him of the focus we are

giving to this. Question nulber five. Following my appointmdnt, I

established an advisory grotp to ensure the voice of business is

heard. It is clear that our focus now needs to be on what we can

achieve in terms of trade, jobs and exploit the opportunities of the

UK's exit from the EU. The Secretary of State referred a few minttes ago

to taking a whole country approach to the EE referendum. -- EU

referendum negotiations. He spoke to the British bankers Association

recently about the specific needs of the banking industry. If spdcial

privileges in terms of the single market are afforded to the City of

London, will Secretary of State be asking for the same privileges for

Northern Ireland? I would s`y to the honourable gentleman that it is my

precisely why I have set up my advisory group, why I am spdaking to

individual sectors within the Northern Ireland economy, to ensure

their voice is heard as we prepared for the negotiations ahead, and

ensure that where there are specific issues and concerns, they are heard

as part of those preparations and reflected into the negotiathons

Does my right honourable frhend not agree that leading European Union

enables the Northern Ireland economy to be rebalanced in favour of the

private sector rather than the public sector? Order, far too many

very noisy private conversations taking place in the chamber. I can

scarcely hear the dulcet tones of the honourable gentleman and I feel

considerably disadvantaged. My honourable friend rightly identify

the opportunity that we need to look at in terms of seeing greatdr focus

on enterprise in the Northern Ireland economy where there has been

significant reliance for thd state on employment. We need to work on

skills and a virginity is and that is what we are during. We are

discussing matters appertaining to Northern Ireland. Northern Hreland

members should must be heard. I am sure the Secretary of State would

agree with me that the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of the

businesses in Northern Irel`nd, especially the SMEs, are second to

none. Whenever they are facdd with Brexit, they are up for the

challenge. And that is a message that I have heard very clearly. Some

fantastic innovative business within Northern Ireland, some great family

businesses as well. And how we want to support them to take that next

step to grow their business, look at those new opportunities for exports,

and how we have a great opportunity to do that. Question number eight,

please. The government takes part in regular direct discussions with the

Irish government through a number of forums including the upcoming

British Irish Council. We whll ensure we engage closely with all

relevant partners to ensure the best outcome for Northern Ireland. Sorry,

Mr Speaker. I would welcome the earlier comments of the Secretary of

State about the increase in employment, that is very important.

But in the light of the significant damage to the British econoly, as a

result of the referendum, the dramatic fall in the value of

sterling and the increase in the price of food and fuel, does the

Secretary of State access that many businesses in Northern Irel`nd are

frightened that the damage hn the Northern Ireland economy will be

magnified relative to the British economy? I would reiterate to the

honourable gentleman, I think the strong base that we see with record

levels of employment, with dxports that have grown significantly, and

also continuing foreign dirdct investment, I will continue to

champion business in Northern Ireland to underline that Northern

Ireland remains open for business, and how we do see a number of firms,

how we see a number of firms that are continuing to invest and create

jobs and that is something we will continue to welcome. Mr Spe`ker in

a constituency that has four counties bordering us from the

Republic of Ireland, what specific issues Wilbert Minister be racing

with his -- will the Ministdr be racing with his counterparts in

Ireland to ensure that can continue? I have had two meetings with the

Irish president and the Irish Foreign Minister with more leetings

and discussions to come. We have the British Irish Council meeting coming

up in a few weeks, clearly the issues around the border, protecting

the Common travel area, not seeing a return to the borders of thd past is

a priority, but also a shardd objective. If I may say polhtely,

spit it out, sufficiently, lan! With the Secretary of State agred with me

that over the course of the last few months, there have been reports from

the retail and trade in Northern Ireland a along the border of a

multi-million pound boom for shoppers in the Irish Republic and

we should do more to encour`ge that as we go towards Christmas? I have

seen those reports, and certainly when I was visiting a number of

towns in and around the border area, they were underlying some of the

growth of opportunities, growth and business and that is somethhng we

welcome. Number nine, sir. Lr Speaker, the threats from Northern

Ireland relating to terrorism continues to be severe. Meaning an

attack is highly likely. Our response to terrorism and

paramilitary activity is coordinated, effective and fully

resourced. This government's focus is keeping people safe and will

ensure terrorism never succdeds Does the Minister agree with me that

it is damaging to both the security situation in Northern Ireland and

the peace process who are former members of the Armed Forces cleared

on multiple occasions are now arrested for events that took place

14 years ago? Will he agreed to meet me around a broad issue of the case

of Corporal Dennis Hutchings? Can I thank him for his question. Criminal

investigations and prosecuthons are a matter for the police and the

prosecuting authorities, who act independently of government and

politicians. The government therefore cannot comment on an

individual case. But on the broader issue that he raises, I am lore than

willing to discuss with him. Thank you, Mr Speaker. There have been

1631 release officers injurdd - police officers injured in the past

two years or assaulted whilst on duty, a quarter of all of Northern

Ireland's police service. When will the Northern Ireland Office fund and

support new recruitment drive to bring us back up to 7800 officers as

required? Can I condemn all of those attacks on those officers,

absolutely appalling. I would say this is a devolved matter for the

executive to make a decision on recruitment and numbers. But the

Minister agree with me that the best way to tackle paramedic tre`t

activity -- paramilitary activity and criminality is a communhty wide

approach outlined by the SDLP in last year's talks, rather than

throwing money at paramilit`ry organisations? I understand what the

honourable lady says, but jtst to give comfort, we have ensurdd that

the money is there, we are working with the executors to be able to

deliver that and look forward to a report in the near future.

This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. I

shall have further such meetings later today. In the Black Country in

the West Midlands, we are vdry proud of our long, industrial herhtage. We

are also very proud of the recent revival in the fortunes of the